The joyous combination of creamy butter beans, fresh ricotta, and vibrant basil pesto makes the Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto Recipe an absolute delight for any meal. This dish bursts with bright, zesty flavors and a comforting texture that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch. Whether you’re craving something light and fresh or hearty and warming, every bite sings with the freshness of basil, the richness of ricotta, and the lively sparkle of lemon that elevates humble butter beans into a dish you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this wonderful dish, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a key role in the flavor symphony. From fragrant fresh basil to creamy ricotta and tangy lemon, these components come together effortlessly to create a recipe that feels both special and incredibly easy to make.
- Fresh basil (one large bunch, about 15g): The star herb that gives the pesto its fresh, aromatic character.
- Toasted pine nuts (a handful): Adds a delicious nutty flavor and creamy texture to the pesto.
- Garlic clove (1, crushed) or wild garlic: Provides subtle pungency and depth, perfect for enhancing the pesto’s taste.
- Parmesan cheese (25g, grated, or vegan alternative): Brings savory umami richness to the pesto mixture.
- Olive oil (4–5 tablespoons, plus extra to serve): Ensures a silky smooth pesto and adds heart-healthy fats.
- Jar of butter beans (drain half liquid): Creamy and tender, these beans are the hearty base of the dish.
- Ricotta cheese (250g or vegan alternative): Delivers a luscious creaminess that balances the pesto’s herbaceous punch.
- Lemon (1, zest and juice): Introduces a bright, citrusy zing that lifts every ingredient beautifully.
- Crusty bread (optional): Perfect for mopping up every last bit of pesto and ricotta.
How to Make Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto Recipe
Step 1: Make the Basil Pesto
Start by gathering your pesto ingredients: toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, crushed garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Place them all in a blender or food processor for an easy, no-fuss pesto. Blitz until everything blends into a smooth, vibrant green sauce. Feel free to drizzle in more olive oil if you want a silkier, looser pesto texture. The fragrant basil mixed with nutty pine nuts and the savory Parmesan is just the foundation for the magic to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Beans
You have two options for your butter beans depending on the mood and weather. For a warm, comforting version, drain half the liquid from the jar, pour the beans with the remaining liquid into a frying pan, and heat gently over low heat until warm throughout. This softens their natural creaminess and makes the dish heartier. Alternatively, for a fresh and summery vibe, simply drain the butter beans thoroughly and serve them cold—this is especially lovely in warm months or alongside crisp salads.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Once your pesto and butter beans are ready, it’s assembly time and the fun part! Spoon the warm or cold butter beans onto a large serving platter, spreading them out gently. Next, dollop the ricotta cheese generously on top, adding creamy richness to each bite. Then, drizzle the basil pesto over the beans and ricotta, letting it pool in all the right spots. Finish by grating fresh lemon zest over the dish and squeezing over the lemon juice. For a final flourish, add a crack of fresh black pepper and a little extra olive oil drizzle. Your stunning Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take this dish from delightful to memorable. A sprinkle of crushed toasted pine nuts adds an irresistible crunch, while a few fresh basil leaves scattered on top reinforce that herbaceous aroma. For a bit of color contrast and mild heat, red chili flakes or a dusting of smoked paprika are excellent choices. And of course, never underestimate the power of freshly cracked black pepper to elevate those bright, fresh flavors right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Crusty artisan bread is the classic companion—perfect for scooping up every luscious bite. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch. Roasted vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or peppers complement the creamy and herbal components perfectly. For extra protein, grilled chicken, fish, or tofu work wonderfully alongside the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this dish to guests or want to make mealtime extra special, presentation matters. Try layering the components in clear glass bowls or small jars for an elegant effect. Serving as a bruschetta topping on toasted baguette slices offers a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can even transform the recipe into a vibrant pasta sauce by mixing the pesto-coated butter beans and ricotta with freshly cooked noodles for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep any pesto separate if possible as it can change color, but mixed together the flavors meld beautifully overnight. The dish will keep well for up to 2 days, making it a convenient and tasty lunch option the next day.
Freezing
While the butter beans themselves freeze well, ricotta’s delicate texture changes when frozen and thawed, so it’s best to store pesto and butter beans separately if freezing. Freeze the pesto in small portions and the beans in their cooking liquid. This way you can enjoy fresh pesto and creamy beans anytime without compromise.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the butter beans on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Add fresh dollops of ricotta and drizzle with pesto after reheating to maintain that fresh, vibrant flavor and luscious creaminess. This method keeps the dish tasting just as bright and delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Absolutely! The basil pesto can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just make sure to cover the surface with a little olive oil to stop it from browning. This makes assembling the Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto Recipe a breeze.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh basil really is key to that signature bright flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with baby spinach or a mix of fresh herbs like parsley and mint. The taste will be a bit different but still delicious in the dish.
Can I use dried beans instead of jarred butter beans?
Yes, you can use dried butter beans that you’ve soaked and cooked yourself. Just make sure they are tender and well-drained before adding to the recipe. This will enhance the dish even more with that homemade touch.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Definitely! Swap the Parmesan cheese for a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast and use dairy-free ricotta. Make sure your pesto ingredients are all plant-based, and you’ll have a wonderfully creamy, vegan-friendly version of the Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto Recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
For sure! Roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed zucchini, or steamed green beans make great additions that add flavor, color, and nutrition. Just toss them in during the assembly for a more substantial meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels both fresh and comforting, easy yet impressive, this Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto Recipe is a real winner. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to gather around the table, enjoy simple ingredients done beautifully, and share smiles over every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own new favorite way to enjoy butter beans!
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Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and creamy dish combining tender butter beans with fresh ricotta, tangy lemon, and aromatic basil pesto. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer, this recipe offers options to serve the beans warm or cold, making it versatile for any season.
Ingredients
Basil Pesto
- 1 large bunch fresh basil (approx. 15g)
- A handful of toasted pine nuts
- 1 garlic clove, crushed (or a small bunch of wild garlic if in season)
- 25g Parmesan cheese, grated (or vegan alternative)
- 4–5 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to serve
Main Ingredients
- 1 jar butter beans (drain half the liquid)
- 250g ricotta cheese (or vegan alternative)
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- Crusty bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Make the Basil Pesto: Add the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, crushed garlic (or wild garlic if using), Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to a blender or food processor. Blitz until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Prepare the Butter Beans – Hot Option: Drain half the liquid from the jar of butter beans. Pour the beans and remaining liquid into a frying pan and warm over low heat until heated through.
- Prepare the Butter Beans – Cold Option: Drain the beans thoroughly and serve them directly without heating, ideal for summer or fresh salads.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the butter beans onto a large serving platter. Dollop the ricotta cheese over the beans and drizzle the basil pesto generously over the top.
- Finish and Serve: Grate the zest of one lemon over the dish and drizzle the lemon juice. Add a crack of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Serve with crusty bread if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegan Parmesan and ricotta alternatives.
- You can serve the butter beans warm or cold depending on preference or season.
- Wild garlic is a great seasonal substitute for regular garlic in the pesto.
- Adjust the olive oil amount in the pesto to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Crusty bread makes a perfect accompaniment to this dish, especially when served warm.
